Aim & Scope
1. Aim of the Journal
The aim of International Journal of Whole Schooling (IJWS) is to provide a resource where research, practice, viewpoints, and experiences can explore how to create highly effective education for students with a wide range of differences learning together well. We have developed a comprehensive approach to this goal that is called Whole Schooling.
Whole Schooling was first crafted through joint analysis of information regarding best practices for all children by Dr. Michael Peterson of Wayne State University in Detroit and Dr. Kim Beloin of Cardinal Stritch University in Wisconsin in 1998. Together they sought to see how inclusive education and best progressive instructional strategies could work to mutually reinforce one another. The initial concept of Whole Schooling came out of this dialogue. Drs. Peterson and Beloin then obtained funding for a 3-year research grant from the U.S. Department of Education to study schools who were aiming to implement Whole Schooling strategies. From this beginning numerous educational innovators throughout the world became involved. Understandings of exemplary Whole Schooling practices have grown and improved through work over the last 20 years of work. In 2010 Dr. Peterson and his teacher daughter Mishael Hittie wrote their second book detailing what classrooms in Whole Schools look like. This book, entitled Whole Schooling: The Journey Towards Schools Where Diverse Students Learn Together Well is available on the Journal website.
IJWS was founded in 2004 by the Whole Schooling Consortium. As of Volume 22, Issue 1 (2026), IJWS is published by Forum Multimedia Publishing.
What is Whole Schooling?
We believe that the ultimate goal of education in democratic countries is to promote excellence and equity in schools to give students skills to become effective adults who can build inclusive and democratic societies. We seek to help students learn at their personal best and to become effective citizens for democracy -- innovative leaders, workers, parents, and community members who can create innovations and take responsibility for a better world.
We believe such schools are founded on research-based practices that support the development of the whole child, what we call the 9 Principles of Whole Schooling. To learn more, please see "Introduction to Whole Schooling".
2. Scope of the Journal
2.1 Topics
The topics of articles should center on the 9 principles of Whole Schooling, the way in which they are utilized in school design and reform, and interactions between and across principles and associated practices, and ways in which principles interact with cultures and ethnic groups across the world.
Click on the links below for more details on each principle:
Principle 1. Empower citizens for democracy.
Principle 2. Create learning spaces for all.
Principle 3. Include all in learning together.
Principle 4. Build a caring community.
Principle 5. Support learning.
Principle 6. Partner with families and the community.
Principle 7. Teach all using authentic, multi-level instruction.
Principle 8. Use technology to facilitate student learning.
Principle 9. Assess students to promote learning.
2.2 Disciplines
Articles are invited from all relevant scientific disciplines to include but not be limited to: education; special education; educational psychology; anthropology; psychology; sociology; economics; computer science; STEM education, etc.
2.3 Audience
Articles are aimed at range of individuals to include but not be limited to: researchers; academics; students; teachers; administration; parents; community members; and policy-makers.
2.4 Educational Levels
The Journal covers educational research from kindergarten through high school, as well as studies in higher education. Submissions focusing on university-level teacher education, pre-service teacher preparation, and inclusive practices in higher education are also welcomed, provided they align with the principles of Whole Schooling.
2.5 Article Types
Articles may be of a wide range of types. These include but are not limited to the following: research - original research and literature review; practice; analysis; voices (of those involved); and commentary.
See Instructions for Authors for details.
Updated on January 20, 2026